Method of Caregiver Assisting a Person in Need of Assisted Mobility and Belted Apparatus with Multiple Handles

ABSTRACT

A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility, the stabilizing belt comprising a pad, a belt to wrap around the pad and secure the pad to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the pad. The pad may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer, either the caregiver or the person in need of assisted mobility. A strap may be provided for added security and comfort. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/769,518, filed Apr. 28, 2010, whichapplication is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a support belt or stabilizing belt.

BACKGROUND

There are various modes of transportation in which two or more peoplemay ride in tandem. For example, riding motorcycles, watercraftvehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), snowmobiles, horseback riding,bicycles, or skiing are circumstances in which two or more people may beriding in tandem. In such situations, the back rider may hold onto thefront rider in various uncomfortable and restricting ways to stabilizeor balance himself or herself. In addition, current stabilizing beltsare too cumbersome and, therefore, lack the versatility to be usedacross different activity, lack proper lumbar support, and areuncomfortable as the belt dig into the wearer's body.

Other circumstances may require the ability to stabilize the wearer ofthe belt, such as medical assistance and therapy. These belts also tendto be cumbersome and lack lumbar support. In addition, it isinconvenient, uncomfortable, and problematic to have an individualalready in a weakened state to be forced to where a belt or vest so asto be assisted in movement.

For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an improved stabilizingbelt that is versatile enough to be used across various activities,provide adequate lumbar support, is comfortable to wear, and easy to usefor those requiring assistance for movement.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a stabilizing belt that can be usedfor a variety of activities, provides adequate lumbar support, iscomfortable to wear, and easy to use for those requiring assistance,such as medical assistance. One aspect of the present invention is toprovide a stabilizing belt designed to provide adequate lumbar supportyet provide flexibility for movement.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing beltin which the fastening mechanism does not dig into the wearer and causediscomfort.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing beltthat can be used across various activities as opposed to a singleactivity.

Another aspect of the present invention is to improve the functionalityof a stabilizing belt.

Another aspect is to provide assistance to those having difficulty withmovements, such as a patient, without requiring the patient to don anyadditional equipment or device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the interior side of the cover;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4assembled;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the exterior side of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the interior side of an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 8 shows the present invention in use for assisted mobility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is directedtowards a stabilizing belt 100 for use, for example, by a pair of ridersriding a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or watercraft, in tandem. Thestabilizing belt 100 worn by the front rider provides a means for theback rider to stabilize himself or herself during the ride. In otheruses, such as for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt 100 may beworn by the patient or the caregiver. In situations in which it isdifficult for the patient to don the stabilizing belt 100 the caregivercan don the belt 100 providing the patient with multiple grasping pointsto find the best leverage.

The stabilizing belt 100 comprises a pad 102, a belt 104 to wrap aroundthe pad 102 and secure the pad 102 to a wearer, and at least one handle106 attached to the pad 102. The pad 102 provides support and comfortfor the wearer. The belt 104 allows the pad 102 to be attached to thewearer. The handle 106 provides the means for the back rider, patient,or caregiver to stabilize himself or herself against the wearer.

The pad 102 comprises an interior side 108 that abuts the wearer, anexterior side 110 opposite the interior side 108, the interior andexterior sides 108, 110 defining a first edge 112, a second edge 114opposite the first edge 112, a top edge 116 adjacent to the first andsecond edges 112, 114, and a bottom edge 118 opposite the top edge 116and adjacent to the first and second edges 112, 114. The designation ofthe top and bottom edges 116, 118 has been made only for the sake ofclarity and ease of discussion. Either edge can serve as the top orbottom depending on how the wearer wears the stabilizing belt.

Also, for the sake of clarity and ease of discussion the distance fromthe first edge 112 to the second edge 114 will be referred to as thelength and the distance from the top edge 116 and bottom edge 118 willbe referred to as the width. These designations apply to the otherfeatures of the present invention, such as the cover, strap, the mesh,and the like.

In some embodiments, the pad 102 may have a simple geometric shape. Forexample, the pad 102 may be rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, circular andthe like. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edges 116, 118 of thepad 102 are uniquely contoured to provide better support, comfort, andversatility.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the some embodiments, the pad 102 comprises alumbar support area 120 and bilateral side support areas 122, 124 thatextend away from the lumbar support area 120 and terminate at the firstand second edges 112, 114, respectively. The side supports 122, 124 mayextend away from the lumbar support 120 in a uniform fashion, therebyforming a rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the sidesupports 122, 124 may taper as they extend away from the lumbar support120, thereby forming a triangular, trapezoidal, or oval configuration.In some embodiments, the width of the side support 122, 124 may expandrather than taper away from the lumbar support 120.

The lumbar support 120 occupies the middle portion of the pad 102. Toenhance support given to the lumbar region of the wearer whileminimizing weight of the stabilizing belt or discomfort to the wearer,the lumbar support 120 may be wider than the side supports 122, 124. Insome embodiments, the lumbar support area 120 may be a single enlargedarea extending from one side to the other side of the lumbar region ofthe wearer.

In some embodiments, to further add flexibility without compromising thesupport, the top and bottom edges 116, 118 within the lumbar supportarea 120 may converge toward each other at a central area 126. Thecentral area 126 is the area that would be positioned along the spine ofthe wearer. Thus, the width of the central area 126 is less than thewidth of the lumbar support area 120. In such an embodiment, the lumbarsupport area 120 can be described as having two distinguishable orseparate lumbar support areas 120, one for the left side and one for theright side of the wearer.

Due to the difference in width between the lumbar support areas 120 andthe central area 126, the wearer is able to move and twist his or herbody more freely as the central region 126 facilitates the twistingmovement of the lumbar support areas 120 out of their natural plane.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the pad 102 may be generallyrectangular in shape with the top and bottom edges 116, 118 taperingtowards each other at the central area 126 of the pad 102. Therefore,the width at the central area 126 is generally smaller than the widthsat the first and second edges 112, 114.

The pad 102 is generally flat and made of a cushion type material.Suitable materials for the pad 102 include foam, rubber, and variationsthereof. In some embodiments, the interior side of the lumbar supportarea 120 may comprise a bulge. In other words, the surface of theinterior side 108 on the lumbar support area 120 may be convex to matchthe curvature of the lumbar region of the spine of the wearer. Thisprovides added support to the wearer.

To secure the pad 102 to the wearer, a belt 104 is provided to wraparound the pad 102 and the wearer. Preferably, since the belt 104 mustwithstand the pulling of the handles 106 by a second rider, a caregiver,a patient, and the like, the belt 104 should be made from a strong,generally inelastic material. For example, the belt 104 may be made ofnylon, leather, canvas, or other sturdy fabrics, or materials that canbe made sturdy. In some embodiments, additional belts 104 a may be usedto reinforce security and sturdiness.

The belt 104 further comprises a means for securing 128 the pad 102 tothe wearer. The securing means 128 may be hook-and-loop fasteners,zippers, buttons, buckles, and the like. The belt 104 further comprisesan adjustment strap 130 so that the belt 104 can be tightened orloosened before or after fastening.

In some embodiments, the belt 104 is fastened to the pad 102, preferablyon the exterior side 110. In other embodiments, the belt 104 remainsdetached from the pad 102 relying on the frictional forces generatedfrom tightening the belt 104 around the pad 102 for securement.

To improve the sturdiness and securement of the handles 106 to the pad102, the handles 106 may be attached to handle supports 132. Handlesupports 132 may be hard, thin sturdy pieces of plastic, metal, wood,composite material, or the like that is fastened to the pad 102 and thebelt 104. In some embodiments, the handle supports 132 may have roundedand beveled edges. The force from pulling, twisting, and tugging of thehandles 106 during use gets dispersed throughout the entire handlesupport 132 thereby minimizing damage to the pad 102. Otherwise, withoutthe handle support 132, the force would be localized at the point ofconnection to the pad 102, which could easily damage the pad 102.

In the preferred embodiment, the handle supports 132 are irreversiblyfastened to the pad with fasteners, such as rivets 134. As such,through-holes 136 may be provided on the handle supports 132 throughwhich a rivet 134 may be inserted to fasten the handle support 132 tothe pad 102. Additional through-holes 136 may also be provided to fastenthe handles 106 to the handle support 132.

Other fastening means may also be used, such as stitching, adhesives,nuts and bolts, and the like. Irreversible fastening refers to fastenersthat cannot be removed without noticeably damaging the fastener or thematerial to which the fastener is fastened. Reversible fasteners mayalso be used if it provides secure attachment without adding discomfortto the wearer.

Although the handle supports 132 may be attached anywhere on the pad102, the preferred position is to attach the handle supports 132 to thelumbar support area 120 as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 4, multiple handles 106 a-106 d, and multiple handlesupports 132 a-132 d may be used. The handles 102 a-102 d and handlesupports 132 a-132 d can be positioned in a number of differentstrategic locations so as to maximize the function of the belt.

To facilitate the securement of the belt 104 to the pad 102, each handlesupport 132 may comprise a pair of elongated slits 138 through which thebelt 104 can be interlaced as shown in FIG. 1 (the lower belt 104 a).The slits 138 may be positioned at the opposite lateral edges of thehandle support 132. In such an embodiment, the belt 104 may be attachedto the pad 102 via the handle support 132 rather than being directlyattached to the pad 102. Since the belt 104 is not directly fastened tothe pad 102, this also allows the belt 104 to be adjusted to the left orto the right by adjusting the belt 104 through the slit 138. Inembodiments utilizing multiple belts 104, multiple pair of slits 138 canbe provided on the handle support 132 accordingly. Alternatively, eachbelt 104 can have a separate handle support 132.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 may further comprise acover 140 to conceal and protect the underlying components of thestabilizing belt 100. The cover 140 comprises an exterior side 142 andan interior side 144 opposite the exterior side 142. The interior side144 of the cover 140 may be overlaid on top of the handle support 132,at least a portion of the belt 104, and the pad 102. In the preferredembodiment, the cover 140 has substantially the same shape as the pad102 so as to fully cover the pad 102 while minimizing any excessmaterial. In some embodiments, the cover 140 may completely cover orenvelop the pad 102. In other embodiments, the cover 140 only covers theexterior side 110 of the pad 102.

In some embodiments, the cover 140 comprises a slit 146. On the interiorside 144 of the cover 140 adjacent to the slit 146 may be a pouch 148.For example, if the slit 146 is a horizontal slit, a pouch 148 may bepositioned just below the slit 146 so that the slit 146 and pouch 148can function as a pocket. A user can insert various items through theslit 146 into the pouch 148.

The cover 140 may be made from any durable material, such as rubber,nylon, leather, canvas and other fabric material. In some embodiments,the cover 140 may be water proof or water resistant to keep the pad 102dry for water sport activities.

The handles 106 may be attached through the exterior surface 142 of thecover 140 to the handle supports 132. Handles 106 may be made from hard,sturdy material such as metal, plastic, wood, and the like. The endportions 150 of the handles 106 can be riveted through the cover 140onto the handle support 132 for secure attachment. In addition, the endportions 150 may be double stitched to the cover 140. The grip portion152 of the handle 106 may be covered with foam or rubber to provide acomfortable grip.

In some embodiments, the handles 106 may be reversibly fastened to thehandle supports 132. Utilizing reversible fasteners provides a means foradjusting the orientation or placement of the handles. By way of exampleonly, the two handle supports 132 may be arranged parallel to each othera specified distance apart. Each handle 106 may be secured parallel toone handle support 132, thereby having a vertical orientation when thestabilizing belt 100 is worn. This allows the rear user to grasp thehandles with his palms facing toward each other. To rearrange theorientation of the handles 106, the user can remove the fastener andre-fasten the handles 106 in a horizontal orientation, perpendicular tothe handle supports 132 by fastening one of the end portions 150 a ofthe first handle 106 to one end 132 a of the first handle support 132and the second end 150 b of the first handle 106 to the same end 132 aof the second handle support 132. The second handle 106 a can besimilarly fastened to the opposite end 132 b of both handle supports132. This allows the user to utilize a palm up or palm down grip.

In some embodiments, the handles 106, 106 a and handle supports 132 maybe configured to provide a means for adjusting the placement ororientation of the handle without having to disassemble the stabilizingbelt. For example, the handle support 132 may be frame-shaped or be asingle rectangular or square plate having slits and/or a plurality ofholes. The ends 150 a, 150 b of the handles 106 may have retractablepins that can be retracted by the push of a button on the handles 106,106 a. In the retracted configuration, the handles may be free to slidealong the slits and positioned at different holes. Release of the buttonallows the pins to engage the holes so as to be locked in place. Thisallows the user to change the distance between the handles 106, 106 a orchange the orientation and placement of the handles 106, 106 a. In suchan embodiment, the cover would also comprise slits or openings to allowthe handles 106, 106 a to move to a different position. Reversiblefasteners that can be used in this embodiment include, but are notlimited to nuts and bolts, magnets, suction cups, clips, spring loadedpins, bayonet-style connectors, mounts, and the like. In theseembodiments, care should be taken so that the handles 106 do not slipout from the handle support 132 during use.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 may comprise a pluralityof handles 106 a-106 d arranged in various configurations so as toprovide the option of a variety of different grip positions withouthaving to make any adjustments as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In addition,having a plurality of handles 106 a-106 d allows the user to change hisor her grip instantly at any time. Handles 106 a-106 d may be arrangedin a variety of positions, such as vertically, horizontally, at anyoblique angle therebetween, and any combination thereof. Reference tothe orientation of the handles is with respect to the wearer standingupright and the stabilizing belt being worn as intended. Each handle 106a-106 d may have associated with it a handle support 132.

In another example, the stabilizing belt 100 may comprise four handles106 arranged in a square or rectangular orientation. For example, a pairof horizontally oriented handles may be positioned at opposite ends ofthe vertically oriented handles 106.

In some embodiments, to facilitate securement of the pad 102 to thewearer, a strap 154 may extend out from each of the first and secondedges 112, 114 of the pad 102. Preferably, the strap 154 may be anelastic material comprising a fastening means 155 so that the pad 102and strap 154 can be wrapped around the wearer's body and fastened inthe front, rear, or sides. For example, the strap 154 may comprise afastening means 155, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons,buckles, and the like. In some embodiments, the strap 154 may be a twopiece strap, with the first piece attached to and extending from thefirst edge 112 and the second piece attached to and extending from thesecond edge 114. In some embodiments, the strap 154 may be onecontinuous piece that overlaps the entire pad 102. The one piece strapmay be fastened to the pad 102. This allows the pad 102 to remain inplace while the belt 104 securely fastens the pad 102 to the wearer.

The strap 154 also serves as an interface between the belt 104 and thewearer. This prevents the belt 104 from uncomfortably digging into thewearer's skin when the belt 104 is tightened around the wearer. Toaccommodate this function, the width of the strap 154 may be greaterthan the width of the belt 104. In embodiments comprising multiple belts104 the width of the elastic strap 154 may be greater than the combinedwidth of all of the belts and the spaces therebetween.

In embodiments having a two piece strap, as shown in FIG. 4, the firststrap piece 154 a may be elastic and the second strap piece 154 b may bemade of an inelastic fabric. The inelastic fabric material providesadditional comfort and protection from the belt 104. The first strappiece 154 a and the second strap piece 154 b may have fastening means155 to fasten the first strap piece 154 a to the second strap piece 154b. For example, the first and second strap pieces may comprisehook-and-loop fasteners to fasten to each other. In some embodiments,the fastening means 155 of the second strap piece 154 b may be overlaidon top of the second strap piece 154 b.

In some embodiments, the second strap piece 154 b may comprise a seriesof lumbar supports 160 sewn securely to the second strap piece 154 b.These lumbar supports 160 may be elongated strips of a relatively rigidmaterial, such as plastic, wood, metal, and the like. In thisembodiment, the pad 102 is worn on the front and the second strap piece154 b wraps around the back at the lumbar region and fastens to thefirst strap piece 154 a. When the stabilizing belt 100 is pulled by thehandles 106, the second strap piece 154 b does not fold or collapse, butrather, remains firm, thereby providing more comfort and support to thewearer.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 further comprises abreathable fabric 156 attached to the interior side 108 of the pad 102.For example, the breathable fabric 156 may be mesh or some other type oflining to provide comfort when the stabilizing belt 100 is worn by thewearer, particularly when worn without clothes.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, in addition to or in lieu ofthe breathable fabric 156, the stabilizing belt 100 may further comprisea rubberized material 158 as the final layer below the pad 102.

Due to the unique design of the stabilizing belt 100, a single belt canbe used for various activities. Some stabilizing belts utilize an entirechest harness. Although suitable for watercraft activities, these may betoo cumbersome for other activities. The stabilizing belt 100 of thepresent invention can be used for motorcycle or bicycle riding,watercraft sports, ATV's, snowmobiles, horseback riding, skiing, hiking,walking, sexual activity, medical assistance, therapy, and more.

When used for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt 100 may be worneither by the patient (or person requiring assisted mobility) 12 or thecaregiver 10. When worn by the caregiver 10, the patient 12 is able tograsp any of the various handles 106 a-106 d that is most comfortable tothe patient 12 and provides the best leverage as shown in FIG. 8. In themeanwhile, the caregiver 10 still has his hands free to utilize themhowever he wishes.

In some uses, the patient can wear the stabilizing belt 100 and allowthe caregiver 10 to lift the patient 12 by any of the handles 106 a-106d. In some uses, both the patient 12 and the caregiver 10 can wear thestabilizing belt 100 maximizing the option of having the caregiver holdon to the patient, the patient hold on to the caregiver, or both.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claimsand the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

1. A stabilizing belt, comprising: a. a foam pad comprising: i. aninterior side; ii. an exterior side opposite the interior side; iii. theinterior and exterior sides defining a first edge and a second edgeopposite the first edge, the first edge and the second edge having afirst width and a second width, respectively; and iv. a central regionhaving a third width smaller than the first and second widths; b. anelastic strap attached to the first edge of the foam pad; c. a fabricstrap attached to the second edge of the foam pad, wherein the elasticstrap and the fabric strap comprise a fastener to fasten to each other;d. a plurality of lumbar supports intermittently spaced apart andsecured along the fabric strap; e. a rubberized material attached to theinterior side of the foam pad; f. a nylon belt attached to the exteriorside of the foam pad, the nylon belt comprising a first free end and asecond free end, the first and second free ends comprising a fasteningsystem to fasten the first and second free ends together; g. a pluralityof handle supports secured to the foam pad, each handle supportcomprising a pair of elongated slits through which the nylon belt isinterlaced; h. a cover having an exterior side and an interior side,wherein the interior side of the cover is overlaid onto the plurality ofhandle supports and the nylon belt and attached to the exterior side ofthe foam pad; and i. a plurality of handles, each handle attached to onehandle support through the cover, each handle comprising a foam grip. 2.The stabilizing belt of claim 1, further comprising a second nylon beltadjacent to the nylon belt, the second nylon belt comprising a secondfastening system to facilitate securement of the foam pad to a wearer.3. A stabilizing belt, comprising: a. a pad, comprising: i. a firstside; ii. a second side opposite the first side; iii. the first andsecond sides defining a first edge and a second edge opposite the firstedge, the first edge and the second edge having a first width and asecond width, respectively; and iv. a central region having a thirdwidth smaller than the first and second widths; b. a belt attached tothe pad, the belt comprising a fastening systems to secure the pad to awearer; c. a plurality of handle supports attached to the pad; d. aplurality of handles attached to the pad, wherein each handle isattached to the pad via one handle support.
 4. The stabilizing belt ofclaim 3, wherein each handle support comprises a pair of elongated slitsthrough which the belt can be interlaced.
 5. The stabilizing belt ofclaim 3, further comprising a cover having an exterior side and aninterior side, wherein the interior side of the cover is overlaid ontothe pad.
 6. The stabilizing belt of claim 5, wherein the covercomprises: a. a slit; and b. a pouch attached to the interior side ofthe cover adjacent to the slit, the pouch being accessible via the slit.7. The stabilizing belt of claim 3, further comprising a strap attachedto the first and second edges of the pad, the strap comprising afastening means.
 8. The stabilizing belt of claim 7, wherein a portionof the strap is elastic.
 9. The stabilizing belt of claim 3, furthercomprising a rubberized material attached to a first side of the pad.10. The stabilizing belt of claim 3, further comprising a plurality oflumbar support members intermittently spaced apart and attached alongthe strap.
 11. A method of a caregiver providing assistance in mobilityto a person in need of assisted mobility, the method comprising: a.securing a stability belt around the caregiver, the stability belt,comprising: i. a pad, comprising a first side; a second side oppositethe first side, the first and second sides defining a first edge and asecond edge opposite the first edge, the first edge and the second edgehaving a first width and a second width, respectively; and a centralregion having a third width smaller than the first and second widths;ii. a strap attached to the pad, the strap comprising a first fastenerto fasten the pad to the caregiver; iii. a belt attached to the pad, thebelt comprising a second fastener to secure the pad to the caregiver;iv. a plurality of handle supports attached to the pad; and v. aplurality of handles attached to the pad, wherein each handle of theplurality of handles is attached to the pad via one handle support; b.allowing the person in need of assisted mobility to grasp at least onehandle of the plurality of handles; and c. moving in a desired directionto mobilize the person in need of assisted mobility.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the stability belt further comprises a cover having anexterior side and an interior side, wherein the interior side of thecover is overlaid onto the pad.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thestabilizing belt comprises a plurality of lumbar support membersintermittently spaced apart and secured along the strap.
 14. The methodof claim 11, wherein a portion of the strap is elastic.
 15. The methodof claim 11, wherein the stability belt further comprises a rubberizedmaterial attached to the first side of the pad.
 16. A method ofreceiving assistance in mobility for a person in need of assistedmobility, the method comprising: a. securing a stability belt around theperson in need of assisted mobility, the stability belt, comprising: i.a pad, comprising a first side; a second side opposite the first side,the first and second sides defining a first edge and a second edgeopposite the first edge, the first edge and the second edge having afirst width and a second width, respectively; and a central regionhaving a third width smaller than the first and second widths; ii. astrap attached to the pad, the strap comprising a first fastener tofasten the pad to the person in need of assisted mobility; iii. a beltattached to the pad, the belt comprising a second fastener to secure thepad to the person in need of assisted mobility; iv. a plurality ofhandle supports attached to the pad; and v. a plurality of handlesattached to the pad, wherein each handle of the plurality of handles isattached to the pad via one handle support; b. allowing the caregiver tograsp at least one handle of the plurality of handles; and c. allowingat least one of the handles to be pulled on to move the person in needof assisted mobility.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thestabilizing belt comprises a cover having an exterior side and aninterior side, wherein the interior side of the cover is overlaid ontothe pad.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the stabilizing beltcomprises a plurality of lumbar support members intermittently spacedapart and secured along the strap.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein aportion of the strap is elastic.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein thestabilizing belt further comprises a rubberized material attached to thefirst side of the pad.